# CVE-2026-86397: Dell PowerProtect Data Domain improper authentication in feature releases

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-86397-dell-powerprotect-data-domain-feature-release-versions-7-7-1-0  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-28. Updated: 2026-10-28  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-86397 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.8 · Published 2026-10-28

Dell PowerProtect Data Domain is a data backup and deduplication appliance used by enterprises to protect critical data. An unauthenticated attacker with network access can create privileged accounts without authorization, gaining complete control of the system and all data it stores. This allows an attacker to steal, modify, or destroy backup data and compromise the entire backup infrastructure.

Technologies: [Dell PowerProtect Data Domain](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/powerprotect-data-domain). Vendors: [Dell](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/dell).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-86397 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-86397 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-86397?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.8, published 28 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Dell PowerProtect Data Domain Feature Release 7.7.1.0 through 8.8, LTS2024 7.13.1.0 through 7.13.1.80, LTS2025 8.3.1.0 through 8.3.1.40, LTS2026 8.6.1.0 through 8.6.1.20.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-86397?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2026-86397 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a network appliance.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-86397?** Check whether you run Dell PowerProtect Data Domain at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

The vulnerability is an improper authentication flaw in PowerProtect Data Domain that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to create privileged accounts. The flaw affects multiple release branches (Feature Release 7.7.1.0–8.8, LTS2024 7.13.1.0–7.13.1.80, LTS2025 8.3.1.0–8.3.1.40, LTS2026 8.6.1.0–8.6.1.20) and requires only network access with no prior authentication. Exploitation results in privileged account creation and complete system compromise.

## Affected products

- Dell PowerProtect Data Domain Feature Release 7.7.1.0 through 8.8, LTS2024 7.13.1.0 through 7.13.1.80, LTS2025 8.3.1.0 through 8.3.1.40, LTS2026 8.6.1.0 through 8.6.1.20

## Timeline

- 2026-10-28: disclosed

## References

- [https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000515178/dsa-2026-416-security-update-for-dell-powerprotect-data-domain-multiple-vulnerabilities](https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000515178/dsa-2026-416-security-update-for-dell-powerprotect-data-domain-multiple-vulnerabilities)

## Related threats

- [Dell PowerProtect Data Domain stack buffer overflow](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-86378-dell-powerprotect-data-domain-feature-release-versions-7-7-1-0)
- [Dell PowerProtect Data Domain out-of-bounds write](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-86377-dell-powerprotect-data-domain-feature-release-versions-7-7-1-0)
- [Dell PowerProtect Data Domain OS command injection](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-110541-dell-powerprotect-data-domain-feature-release-versions-7-7-1-0)
- [Dell PowerProtect Data Domain stack-based buffer overflow](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-103780-dell-powerprotect-data-domain-feature-release-versions-7-7-1-0)
- [Dell PowerProtect Data Domain improper authentication](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-103779-dell-powerprotect-data-domain-feature-release-versions-7-7-1-0)